Come along to our open day - 29th April 2026

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Suzanne Whiston – Headteacher

 

Suzanne is committed to ensuring that all students excel at Longdon Hall School by accessing a sequential, broad, personalised and aspirational curriculum which caters for their social, emotional and academic needs, whilst preparing them for the next stage in their education and life beyond school.

Suzanne has a wealth of experience and has previously been a headteacher of a Special Secondary School in Warwickshire, a Deputy Headteacher at a main stream secondary school, focussing on the quality of education and the curriculum and an Assistant Principal with responsibility for Personal Development. She has also held a variety of middle leadership roles. After qualifying as an Advanced Skills Teacher, Suzanne led and supported curriculum development at primary, secondary and special schools through her outreach work in schools in the West Midlands. Suzanne has also achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and an MA.

Suzanne is committed to delivering a high standard of teaching and learning at Longdon Hall School through an ambitious curriculum which promotes the personal development of each student and meets the students’ educational, social and emotional needs.

Victoria Jenkinson –  Deputy Headteacher

Victoria is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of education for all students. She has been a valued member of LHS for several years, previously serving as Head of English and Secondary Provision, where she played a key role in shaping the curriculum and supporting student progress. With extensive experience in both mainstream and specialist settings, she brings a deep understanding of inclusive teaching and learning.
Holding a specialist qualification in teaching children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia, and an MA in Inclusion focusing on SEMH, Victoria is committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. She believes that every student deserves the right support to succeed and works closely with staff to enhance the school’s approach to teaching, learning, and curriculum development.
As Deputy Headteacher responsible for the Quality of Education, Victoria plays a key role in shaping and strengthening the school’s educational provision. She ensures that all students have access to a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that enables them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Steph Nickless  – Head of Safeguarding and Pastoral Care

Steph joined Longdon Hall School 8 years ago as a member of the Pastoral team. She was given the opportunity to develop the family support service that the school offers and has since become the safeguarding officer. Prior to working at Longdon Hall School, she was a project worker with Barnardo’s for 11 years, supporting families, children and young people who were experiencing many different challenges such as abuse, sub-stance misuse, criminality, domestic abuse and poverty.

Steph also manages our Pastoral Team, supporting them to put in place interventions to support pupils who require a greater level of pastoral input and working closely with the entire staff team to reduce the frequency of restrictive physical interventions.

Steph has worked hard to ensure all the systems and processes for Safeguarding at Longdon Hall are robust and keep all children safe. The high level of her work in this area was recognised in our most recent Ofsted inspection.

Katie Whitehouse- Assistant Headteacher – SEND & Inclusion

Katie has over 15 years of experience working with young people in the education sector. Following her completion of teacher training, she developed a strong passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Throughout her career, Katie has held various middle leadership roles, including responsibilities for teaching and learning, curriculum development, and pastoral care, before advancing to senior leadership as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

In her current role as Assistant Headteacher – SEND & Inclusion at Longdon Hall School, Katie oversees the provision for students relating to their Education, Health and Care Plans. She works collaboratively with class teams, pastoral staff, and the clinical team to ensure that students receive high-quality support aimed at enhancing their educational outcomes, social skills, and overall mental health and wellbeing.

Riana Wood – Assistant Headteacher (Head of Centre at The Ferns)

Riana brings a distinctive blend of clinical insight and educational leadership to her role as Assistant Headteacher at Longdon Hall School. Starting her career as a paediatric nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care, she earned a Master’s Degree in Paediatric Nursing Science and Research from the University of Nottingham, where she developed an acute understanding of trauma-informed care.
Transitioning into education via the Teach First programme, Riana began her teaching journey in mainstream schools, specialising in geography, personal development, and careers education. She swiftly took on the roles of Head of Personal Development and Careers, where she led initiatives earning national accreditation, and developed curricula now being adopted across multiple schools. Complementing her practical experience, Riana has completed the National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour and Culture —equipping her to shape a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed school culture that supports every pupil.
Riana’s main role is as Head of Centre at The Ferns, where she leads on the day-to-day running of the provision. This involves overseeing the curriculum, safeguarding, behaviour and culture, and therapeutic support for SEMH pupils, ensuring that every child receives the personalised care and adaptive teaching they need to flourish.

Lizzie Sowden Assistant Head- Personal Development and Exams Officer

Lizzie brings over 15 years of experience working with young people in the education sector. She began her teaching career as a History and Humanities specialist, with a particular passion for supporting disadvantaged children and those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

Throughout her career, Lizzie has held a variety of middle leadership positions, including Head of Year, Head of Department, and SIAMS Co-ordinator within the middle school system. These roles have given her a unique insight into the powerful impact that a bespoke personal development plan can have on young people as they grow into young adults.

Since joining Longdon Hall as a SEN Teacher, Lizzie has progressed to her current role as Assistant Head for Personal Development and Exams Officer. She works with endless enthusiasm and passion, collaborating closely with the entire staff team to ensure every student receives the highest quality, tailored education to nurture both their personal development and behavioural needs.

© Outcomes First Group 2026